Certified Air Filter Specialist
Stand out in the Crowd!
Establishing a clear competitive edge is a must in today’s workplace. When you are CAFS certified, you are demonstrating to your existing and potential clients your high level of knowledge and expertise. You are also illustrating your dedication to creating healthy environments and your commitment to the air filter industry.
The CAFS certification credential is the marker of a professional with a top notch, up-to-date understanding of air filtration technology. In order to become certified, air filtration professionals must pass an extensive examination on the principles, methods and applications of air filtration. Candidates for certification are also subject to compliance with the NAFA Code of Ethics.
Step 1: Register for the exam.
We recommend that you have at least one year of field experience in the air filter industry before taking the exam. CAFS exams are administered online. You can register to take the exam virtually. Three days lead time is needed. The exams are also offered during the Annual Convention, and Technical Seminar each year.
Step 2: Study for the exam.
NAFA offers a variety of resources to help you build your subject-matter knowledge so you’re ready to take the exam. This includes:
A. The NAFA Guide to Air Filtration. While sample test questions are not available, the 100-question (70 multiple choice, 30 true/false) CAFS Exam is based on the Guide. In fact, every question comes straight out of the book. If you study the manual thoroughly you should have no problem passing the exam.
B. NAFA has developed a series of webinar recordings that cover the 16 chapters in the Guide. Once you register for the exam, we’ll send you the links to the recordings, at no additional cost.
C. As part of your exam registration, NAFA offers a two-hour Q&A Tutorial led by a CAFS twice per year. If you missed the live session, we can send you a link to the recording.
Step 3: Take the exam.
The examination takes approximately two hours and is strictly pass/fail based on the total number of correct answers.
Step 4: Celebrate and be celebrated!
When you earn your NAFA certification, plan to be celebrated! Your new designation will be announced at the next Annual Convention, and you’ll receive a shoutout on NAFA’s social media and other publications. In addition, here are a few ways you can show off your accomplishment:
- Mount your certification certificate to your wall.
- Add our digital badge to your social media
- Send a press release to your company
- Show off your new designation everywhere your name appears: business card, Linkedin profile, email signature, website, and more.
Step 5: Keep your certification current.
Certification is renewable on an annual basis pending successful completion of continued education requirements. See the table below for more information.
Wait there’s more!
Wait there’s more! Even if you don’t install filters and maintain air filter systems, there’s a huge benefit to understanding the knowledge of the Installation, Operation and Maintenance (IOM) of Air Filtration Systems. After reading and studying, earn the NCTI and NCTII credentials. Filtration professionals who have earned the CAFS, NCT and NCTII elevate their careers with an end to end understanding of air filtration systems.
Cost of the Exam
The cost of the exam includes study materials (not including the NAFA Guide to Air Filtration), a proctor and a two-hour tutorial. Additional fees apply for private events.
Stay Current – Renew Your CAFS
To maintain your CAFS certification, you must complete eight (8) continuing education credits annually from the categories listed below. These activities must have been completed between January 1 and December 31. Non-Members must have attended an event sponsored by NAFA or ASHRAE, EPA, BOMA, AMIAQC, AFE, NAPE, AFS, AABC, RSES, ACCA, CETA, NSPE, IAQA, AIA, NEBB, ASHE or SMACNA and submit a certificate of attendance from such event.